Orlande de Lassus

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and profound with Orlande de Lassus' masterful choral work, a testament to his status as one of the most celebrated composers of the late Renaissance. This album, released on SOMM Recordings, presents a collection of medieval and choral pieces, including the deeply moving "Passio Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Mattheum," a setting of the Passion according to Matthew. Spanning over an hour, this album is a journey through the rich polyphonic style that Lassus, also known as Orlando di Lasso, is renowned for.

Born in Mons, in what is now Belgium, Orlande de Lassus was a prolific composer, with a catalog that includes approximately sixty Mass settings, one hundred Magnificats, and an astonishing five hundred motets. His works are known for their close connection between text and music, making this album a profound exploration of both the musical and spiritual depth of the Renaissance era.

The album features a variety of choral pieces, including the hauntingly beautiful "Ave verum corpus" and the reflective "Vide homo." Each track showcases Lassus' mastery of religious polyphony, with intricate harmonies and a deep understanding of the human voice. The album also includes the contemplative "Musica Dei donum optimi," a fitting conclusion to this collection of sacred music.

This album is a rare opportunity to experience the works of one of the leading composers of the later Renaissance, whose influence can still be felt in choral music today. Whether you are a seasoned fan of medieval and choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 februari 2014

2014 SOMM Recordings

About Orlande de Lassus

Orlande de Lassus, also known as Orlando di Lasso, was a towering figure of the late Renaissance, renowned for his prolific and diverse musical output. Born around 1532 in Mons, Belgium, Lassus's extraordinary vocal talents led him on a journey across Europe, serving various courts in Italy, France, and Germany. His compositions, numbering over 2,000, span nearly every vocal genre of his time, from sacred motets and Masses to secular chansons, demonstrating his unparalleled versatility and mastery of the polyphonic style. Lassus's music is celebrated for its deep connection to text, making it a profound and emotional experience for listeners. Often hailed as "The divine Orlando," his influence was immense, and his works were published more frequently than any other composer of his era. Lassus's legacy endures as one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the Renaissance, standing alongside contemporaries like Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Tomás Luis de Victoria.